The accused used a broken ketchup bottle to slit Lohia’s throat
Jammu:
A top prisons official in Jammu and Kashmir, Hemant Lohia, was found dead at his friend’s home last night with the police saying his domestic help is the prime suspect in the case.
57-year-old Lohia, a 1992 batch IPS officer, was found dead with burn injuries on his body and his throat slit at his friend’s home on the outskirts of Jammu.
Hemant Kumar Lohia was staying at his friend’s house as his own home was under renovation.
Police said no terror angle has come to the fore as of now.
Initial investigation suggests his domestic help Yasir Ahmed, who is on the run, had been suffering from severe depression, police told NDTV.
The killer used a broken ketchup bottle to slit Mr Lohia’s throat and later tried to set his body on fire, they said.
“The security guards broke into his room after they saw flames. The room was locked from inside,” said Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Mukesh Singh as saying.
“Yasir was working for Mr Lohia for six months. Initial investigation reveals that he was quite aggressive”, said Mr Singh.
He said the suspect is seen rushing out of the house after the crime in a CCTV footage.
A man-hunt has been launched to trace the domestic help, Mr Singh said, adding that the body has been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police have also released Yasir’s photograph urging the public to inform the officials if they have any information about the suspect.
A forensic team and senior police officials have inspected the spot and seized the weapon that was used in the crime.
“Police have also seized some documentary evidence, including his diary, that reflects his mental state,” Mr Singh said.
Hemant Lohia was appointed as the Director General of Prisons (J&K) in August.
The incident comes at a time when Home Minister Amit Shah is in the Union Territory on a three-day visit.